Get Started with Ledger | Ledger.com/start

Official step-by-step guide to set up your Ledger hardware wallet safely and confidently — no third-party sign-in required.

Overview

This guide walks you through unboxing your Ledger device, performing a secure initialization, creating a recovery backup, and connecting to Ledger's official setup experience at Ledger.com/start. It is written with security-first best practices and clear, actionable steps for both new users and those refreshing their knowledge.

Unbox & Inspect

Verify packaging seals and check the accessory list. Only use the official Ledger device and accessories included in the box. If packaging looks tampered with, contact official support before proceeding.

Download Official Setup

Open a trusted browser and visit Ledger.com/start. Follow the official prompts to download Ledger Live or use the browser-based onboarding where available. Avoid unofficial downloads or links shared outside the Ledger website.

Initialize Your Device

Choose to create a new wallet on-device. Set a secure PIN on the Ledger device itself — this PIN protects access to the device if it’s physically stolen. Write down your recovery phrase exactly as shown; never store it digitally.

Secure Your Recovery Phrase

The recovery phrase is your ultimate backup. Store it offline in a safe place and consider using metal backup solutions for long-term resilience against fire or water damage. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone.

Official Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always obtain software and firmware directly from Ledger.com/start or Ledger's official channels. Ledger is not responsible for losses resulting from using unofficial downloads, compromised devices, or sharing recovery information. If you suspect your device is tampered with, stop and contact official Ledger Support.

Why choose Ledger?

Ledger hardware wallets provide secure, offline key storage (cold storage) that keeps private keys separate from connected computers or phones. Combined with Ledger's official software, the device helps you manage multiple cryptocurrencies with strong security controls and a clear recovery model.

Best practices

Always verify you are on Ledger.com/start for downloads and onboarding instructions.
Never reveal your 24-word recovery phrase to anyone or enter it on a website or app.
Use a dedicated, updated computer for initial setup when possible and keep device firmware current via official updates.
Consider a hardware backup solution for your recovery phrase to protect against physical damage.

Troubleshooting

If your device does not power on, try a different USB cable and port. If the device behaves unexpectedly during setup, disconnect and restart the process. Do not proceed with any step that seems unfamiliar or requests your recovery phrase outside the secure on-device flow.

Support

For official support resources and the latest onboarding instructions, visit Ledger.com/start. Use only official support channels — do not follow advice from unverified social posts that request sensitive data.